she/her/hers
HOLLY POTTER
She's our gal.
SO, HERE'S THE THING...
I’ve spent over 15 years in business development and marketing, and I’ve made it my mission to make every moment memorable. From launching my career at one of the world’s largest experiential agencies to navigating the fast-paced “Mad Men” new business scene in New York City, and diving deep into startup culture in the mountains of Colorado — it’s been one incredible ride.
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My work has taken me across the globe — from British Columbia to Europe, Central America, Southeast Asia, India, and Africa. I bring a passion for learning, a love for charitable work, and a natural ability to build meaningful relationships. With a sharp eye for detail, I thrive both independently and collaboratively.
Whether you’re looking for support on a short-term project or a long-term partnership, I’d love to connect. Take a look at my work, and let’s talk about how we can create something great together.
ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE
I consider myself a lifelong learner and active citizen.
1999 - 2003
UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS
Bachelor of Arts, Communication Studies
Minor: Leadership Studies
Summer - Fall 2021
UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER
Board Positions:
Creative Mornings Milwaukee Chapter - Advisory Board Member
Joy Engine - Board Member
Volunteer Experience:
Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin, Creative Mornings Milwaukee Chapter, Boys & Girls Club, Senior Respite and Care Program, Bike New York Training and Education, New Hopes Home Rwanda.
EXPERIENCE
I've got some.
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Islands of Brilliance I 2024 - 2025 I Milwaukee, WI
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Cultivated relationships with high-net-worth individuals to secure financial contributions for the non profit organization.
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Secured new partners and sponsors for key fundraising events. Secured major gift donations. Built partnerships with corporations, foundations, and community organizations.
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Responsible for the overall strategy and end to end execution of the annual fundraising events.
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Worked closely with the Executive Director, board members, and other leaders to align development goals with organizational priorities.
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Conducted research and wrote grants to secure funding for the organization.
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Recognized and thanked donors through personalized communication and public acknowledgments.
CONTRACTOR // FREELANCER // CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
HI, HOLLY POTTER, LLC I 2022 - Ongoing I Remote (Stationed in Milwaukee, WI)
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Business Development & Brand Management
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Project & Program Management
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Brand & Marketing Strategy
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Event Coordination & Execution
ACCOUNT DIRECTOR // MARKETING DIRECTOR
FD&F / Fluency Inc. I 2021 - 2022 I Remote
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The primary point person managing the client’s day-to-day/operational brand and marketing functions, along with being the primary/daily contact between FD+F (agency) and the client, managing brand positioning to marketing alignment with product vision, sales goals, and HR/Recruiting efforts.
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Responsible for the overall strategy and execution of the annual marketing plan, the work of agency partners, process workflow, timelines, and budgets to ensure the team stays on strategy.
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Led the process for site redesign, campaign and content planning and creation and PR opportunities.
PROGRAM DIRECTOR, EQUITY OF ACCESS INITIATIVE
MARKETING DIRECTOR
MARKETING MANAGER
PanTheryx I 2016-2020 I Boulder, CO
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Developed the marketing strategy, launch and activation of a new innovative food product for gut health that aims to save lives.
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Coordinated and traveled to remote regions in Guatemala, Cambodia and India to witness the clinical trials of children who lack access to medical care and tell the story of the company’s mission and charitable program, The Equity of Access Initiative.
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Produced, directed, scripted and conducted the voice overs for the video production of the Guatemala trip, and 6+ educational videos with the high-profile advisor and celebrity pediatrician, Dr. Alan Greene.
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Activated marketing initiatives congruent with future distribution partnerships with the largest retail and drug store chains in the US including producing, directing and managing photo shoot for national ad campaign.
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Initiated and coordinated company’s first “All-Staff Volunteer Day” with Project C.U.R.E.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Backbone Media I 2013 - 2016 I Carbondale, CO
Created a new business infrastructure and developed a proactive and strategic process for the agency to acquire larger clients and grow existing clients resulting in 12%+ growth and doubling the size of the agency.
Managed company rebrand and new website, produced and directed all photography and profiles on the website, and assisted in the office redesign in Carbondale to accommodate the expansion of the business.
Implemented internal process improvements and best practices to grow employee skill sets and offer exceptional client services.
Pitched, presented and won key client accounts including Breckenridge Tourism, Aspen Ski Company, Grundens, GU Energy, Gregory & High Sierra, Hoka One One, PK Grills, REVO Sunglasses, Sierra Club, Strava, Vista Outdoors.
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Dentsu/Aegis/Carat I 2010 - 2013 I NYC
Identified and promoted after 7 months to Carat’s holding company, Aegis Media, serving as lead marketer for the Aegis Media North America brand reporting directly to the CEO and CMO.
Created an award-winning pitch for industry publications and secured top awards and recognition for the Carat USA brand including Agency of the Year two years in a row.
Produced, directed, and scripted all videos including new business pitches, website, case studies, and award-winning submissions to high-profile awards such as Cannes, and developed a turnkey video production process.
Pioneered and developed HR recruitment tools and employee development programs.
Managed the pitch and presentation process that won key client accounts including Diageo, Relativity Media, Red Bull, Pfizer, General Motors, Disney Parks & Resorts, and Mondelez/Kraft.
SENIOR MARKETING MANAGER
ASSOCIATE TO THE DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL NEW BUSINESS
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
ACCOUNT COORDINATOR
EVENTS COORDINATOR
GMR Marketing I 2004-2010 I Milwaukee, Madrid, NYC
Led the development, planning and production of marketing events and promotional events including sponsorships and corporate marketing initiatives, and creative ideation and composition of marketing plans.
Managed internal staff and 100+ field staff, vendors, temporary employees at in-market programs and events.
Created corporate marketing initiatives, marketing plans, day-to-day program logistic execution, and developed program budgets to ensure expense compliance throughout duration of assignments.
Wrote program briefs, RFPs, post-event recaps, and formal presentations to internal groups and client partners to secure new business opportunities for the agency.
Managed key clients including Visa, ESPN, Whirlpool, TV Guide, American Eagle Outfitters, HD DVD, TLC, Hilton Hotels, Kohler, Major League Baseball, ING, Gatorade, Pernod Ricard/ABSOLUT Spirits, and Altria Group.
SKILLS
"I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and, doggone it, people like me." -Stuart Smalley
"POTTER WILL DO IT!"
I’ve heard that more times than I can count — and honestly, I wear it like a badge of honor. I’m the one who raises their hand, jumps in, and does whatever it takes to support the team. Maybe I overextend myself now and then (I might think I can save the world), but if there’s a job to be done, I’m on it.
But first… coffee.
HOSPITALITY IS SECOND NATURE TO ME
Hospitality is in my (midwestern) DNA, and I’d gladly go toe-to-toe with anyone on it. I don’t just know how to make people and places feel special — I genuinely love doing it. I think it comes from my natural curiosity, ability to truly listen, and a sharp eye for the little details that make a thoughtful difference.
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MAYBE SHE'S BORN WITH IT...MAYBE SHE'S JUST INSANELY ORGANIZED.
You know what makes a great project manager? Flawless organization. Open any drawer or closet in my house and you’d swear I moonlight for Marie Kondo. Honestly, if a job doesn’t require meticulous organization, I’d just call that a vacation.
PRODUCE, MANAGE, EXECUTE - GO!
Whether it’s hosting an intimate client brunch on a glacier, sourcing a video crew in remote Guatemala, or producing a VIP concert for award-worthy guests — check, check, and done. Still not convinced? Try coordinating a volunteer day for 500 employees in the heart of NYC.
It’s like herding cats… but honestly, it’s mostly dogs.
"I'm a bagel on a plate full of onion rolls." - Funny Girl
WHERE IN THE WORLD IS HOLLY POTTER?
Currently enjoying home ownership with her dogs in Milwaukee's coolest neighborhood, Bayview.
Properly vaccinated and trying desperately to stay warm.
